Inlandvattnen

Inlandvattnen is a term used to describe bodies of water that lie within a landmass and are not part of the sea. The expression can refer to surface waters such as lakes, rivers and streams, as well as reservoirs and wetlands. In some contexts, it may also encompass certain groundwater bodies that interact with the surface environment. The concept is often used in hydrology, environmental policy and geography to distinguish freshwater and inland aquatic systems from coastal and marine waters.

Common types of inland waters include natural lakes, rivers and their tributaries, marshes and bogs, and human-made reservoirs created by damming rivers. Some inland basins are endorheic, meaning they have little or no outflow to the sea. The water in inland waters may be fresh, and in coastal regions can be influenced by groundwater or tidal inputs, leading to a range of salinities.

Ecologically, inland waters are hotspots for biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services. They supply drinking water, irrigation, and industrial uses, support fisheries and recreational activities, and play a key role in nutrient cycling and climate regulation. The health of inland water ecosystems is commonly used as an indicator of broader environmental status.

Threats to inland waters include pollution, nutrient enrichment leading to eutrophication, invasive species, sedimentation, habitat alteration, and the impacts of climate change. Management typically involves water quality standards, habitat protection, restoration projects, sustainable use policies, and integrated watershed planning to maintain or restore ecological integrity while supporting human needs.